Young reporter - The day of Diwali - Ayushi Sharma, Newstead Wood

Diwali. The day known as the festival of lights, celebrated by many Hindus. Many wonder, why is this festival so commonly associated with such a bright feat? 

Literally, Deepavali means a row of lights, but there’s a truly deeper meaning to the laying out of these beautiful lights. 

Diwali marks the day when Lord Rama (The incarnate of God, Lord Vishnu) and his wife Sita (The incarnate of Goddess, Lakshmi) returned to the city of Ayodhya after Sita was kidnapped by the Ravana and saved by Rama, who defeated the Ravana, in his 14-year exile, in which he greatly struggled. Diwali is 20 days after Dussehra, which is the day Lord Rama killed the Ravana. When the couple returned, many Diyas (candles of light) were laid out because of when Rama, who was believed to be good, killed the Ravana, who was believed to be evil, to show that light always triumphs dark, and that good always prospers. 

There are many things commemorated by different people on Diwali, but this is one popularly believed in North India. 

During Diwali, many lights are lit to keep the darkness away and bring goodness to all Hindus celebrating and many people also pray to Goddess Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of prosperity, who is believed to have incarnated into Sita, in the story of Diwali. People share sweets and remember events that occurred. This festival celebrates new beginnings which is associated with the Hindu New Year, alongside the importance of knowledge over ignorance. 

On the day of Diwali, I have heard so many of my Neighbours lighting fireworks, commemorating this special event amongst others, and many locals have hosted Diwali parties, which are said to be ‘An amazing time to enjoy amazing food and sweets with beautiful lights, helping to remember the moral teaching of goodness prospering, allowing everyone to spend quality time with friends and family’. 

Overall, lights on Diwali always mean good things, so that everyone can remember that good should always triumph evil and help embrace their religion. I think it’s amazing, but what do you think?